Category Aluminum Cutting

Aluminum needs slightly different plasma-cutting technique than steel. Use clean, dry air or nitrogen on handheld systems; advanced CNC setups may favor argon–hydrogen blends for thicker plate and smoother edges. Dial in amperage to match thickness, keep torch height consistent with a stand-off or THC, and run a brisk travel speed to minimize dross and heat input. Maintain steady air pressure/CFM and add filtration or a dryer to prevent double-arcing. For best results, start from an edge when possible, or use a proper pierce height and short dwell. Deburr lightly, and consider a water table or strong fume extraction. Refer to our aluminum-specific charts for amps, speed, and pierce settings.